Roll Call Please

falling through the hole
in her pocket—
another violation

The barista says, “you have to buy something to use the bathroom.”

The librarian says, “without proof of residence, we cannot give you a card.”

The officer says, “you have the right to remain silent.”

left behind
the library—her
temporary structure

*

John Arthur is a writer and musician from New Jersey. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in ONE ART, Rattle, DIAGRAM, trampset, Failbetter, and elsewhere.